Entering workforce tough at advanced age

 How can I overcome them and build the confidence to work toward something I know would be very fulfilling?

A: What a healthy step you are taking to seek out fulfillment at a stage where there are many big and emotional changes occurring in your world.

You are not alone in being a little intimidated by re-entering into the workforce after being home for many years. Finding work in general is not always easy, but tackling the task with confidence makes it a lot less painful.

Many people get overwhelmed by where to begin searching. I suggest taking time to reflect on what type of work you are most passionate about.

Do you like working with numbers, people, health, technology, fashion, etc…

What naturally peaks your interest or feels good will help you narrow down the line of work that will be most fulfilling to you. Doing so will give you a sense of direction and decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed while boosting motivation and drive to work toward something you enjoy.

Now, set aside the resume and grab some scratch paper. Jot down your personal qualities, strengths and skills that would be beneficial to an employer.

Raising children and managing a household often requires skills such as organization, dependability, nurturing, leadership, creativity, flexibility, communication, time-management, patience, etc…

Writing these skills down and saying them out loud is a powerful exercise to begin challenging any negative self-talk that might be trying to dominate your thoughts. You have the power to choose to acknowledge and embrace your personal strengths.

When you value what you have to offer, it changes the tone of your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Think about the difference in a salesperson selling a product they believe in versus one they don’t.

With a clearer sense of direction and a boost of confidence it’s time to spread the word and gather your resources. Let all of your family, friends and community connections know you are seeking work.

You never know who might hear of an opening and a personal referral can be impactful. I also recommend taking time to check out the website as well as visit one of the four offices for CareerSource Brevard. They have a wealth of services and support to help you with everything from preparing your resume, exploring careers, interview skills, training and connecting you with employers who are looking to hire. You can check out what they have to offer at careersourcebrevard.com

As you begin to apply for jobs, I warn you not to get discouraged by potential rejection letters. You will not be the right fit for every job, but it is not an indication that you are not a valuable applicant.

I have worked with many people who have received several rejection letters before finally getting an offer. Remind yourself that is a normal part of the process and do not let this fuel your insecurities.

While taking this journey, if you find it difficult to conquer your negative self-talk and can’t quite lift your self-esteem, consider seeking professional therapy. Insecurities can sometimes be very deep rooted. Having someone outside of your own head to help you work through these challenges for long-term change can be very freeing.

If you have a question related to emotional well-being that you would like to submit for consideration to be posted and answered in this column, you may email your inquiries to [email protected].

Kristin Woodling is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Chief Executive Officer of Pamper Your Mind LLC in Satellite Beach. Details about the practice and services provided can be found at pamperyourmind.com.